"We have one of the lowest tax rates in the Houston area and 16 percent of our budget is (designated) for emergencies," she said.

To distance herself from Snyder, Byrd admitted her background and education could not compare with her opponent's.

"I can't even compete with her closet," Byrd said of Snyder, who is a professor at the University of Houston.

Byrd and Snyder, who are running against one another for Position 4, along with Cynthia Chenault, weathered the toughest queries, such as so-called North/South County tensions and the South County stadium.

In many cases, Byrd and Snyder were on opposite sides of the issues.

Even when they did agree, Byrd made no effort to hide her true opinion about previous board decisions while Snyder answered with more caution.

"I've made no secret that I don't think the stadium should be on the ballot," Byrd said.

She added she believes the $18 million figure a committee last year estimated it would cost is far lower than the reality.

Snyder said she would wait to make a decision about the stadium until she heard a full report from a citizens committee that is now evaluating it.

However, in past forums she said she places education needs before those of athletics.

Byrd said she suspected the stadium's approval would cause more harm than good by intensifying perceived tensions between certain areas of CISD.

"(If it's approved) we'll fall into the same routine of some schools' needs not being met," she said.

"That will widen the gap farther in our community."

Snyder addressed the North/South County issue.

"When I first campaigned for the board in the mid-90s, I didn't realize that being from The Woodlands was a negative descriptor and visa versa.

"I truly believe that north/south needs to dissolve and go away."

Most candidates said they believe an equitable distribution of funds to all schools is the answer.

In regards to construction of a South County varsity stadium, nearly all of the candidates said if it is not listed as a separate item on the upcoming bond referendum, it should not be part of the referendum at all. "I don't see an immediate need (for a South County stadium), but the voters should have the right and the choice to vote on it as a stand-alone issue," Sasser said. "I would hate to see the whole bond fail and hurt our children," Burks said.

He referred to the bond's expected inclusion of several campus-upgrade projects.